Course Overview
Aerial videos produced by chartering helicopters or planes are being replaced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. We’re seeing a growth in popularity among news organizations, the film industry and companies using drones to capture compelling video for their storytelling. These cinematic techniques are becoming more mainstream, increasing the demand among audiences and producers for aerial video content. It’s now more cost effective than ever before; it’s safe and provides a simple way to boost production value. The opportunities for licensed experienced drone pilots are increasing.
Course Outcomes
Join us for a 3-day workshop on video storytelling with drone footage, and to learn what is required to become a certified commercial drone videographer. Drone equipment is included for your use during the workshop.
- Identify how UAVs enhance video storytelling and the added value to the story.
- Learn the key safety, legal and ethical issues surrounding drone use by media professionals.
- Learn best practices and workflow before, during, and post-flight.
- Understanding licensing and certification with the FAA, and drone registration requirements in the United States.
- How to use a FAA approved app for drone flight approval.
- Practice hands-on flying a drone with cutting-edge UAV technologies including the DJI Phantom 4.
- Learn how to cut drone video footage to create an engaging narrative.
Outcome: You’ll leave the course with a drone video highlight reel, produced by you.
Work Sample
Who Should Attend?
Ideal for freelancers, journalists, communication professionals, techies, photographers, videographers, real estate content producers, and anyone interested in pursing a career in storytelling with drones.
Instructors & Facilitators
Instructors subject to change.
Peter Bittner
Peter Bittner will be the “remote pilot in command” for the drone training program. He has a FAA Part 107 Certificate, which is the equivalent of a drone pilot’s license. His drone photo for the The New York Times was featured on the front page of the US and international print editions of the Paradise Papers story.
Prerequisites
Requirements
- You must have basic familiarity with a video editing program. You should feel comfortable importing assets, cutting footage in a timeline, and adding music.
- You must have a video editing program installed on your computer. We recommend Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or iMovie. The software must allow you to rearrange clips on a timeline, cut footage, and add music.
- Please plan to bring a smartphone to on which you can monitor your drone footage. If you do not have a compatible smartphone, an iPad will be provided.
- All participants must bring their own WIFI-ready laptop for use during this workshop. Please see our laptop specifications for further technical requirements. You must upgrade your operating system to the latest version before attending the course.
- Before the course begins, you will be invited to a collaborative Box folder where the assets for the course will be stored. Please download the assets before the course begins, as these are large files that will take time.
- Optional: You may want an external hard drive to store large video files. Format your drive for Mac or PC.
- Please bring a pair of headphones to work with.
- The workshop is an intermediate graduate level workshop. Please contact us if you have questions about the pace or content.
- Participants must be comfortable with technical subjects and learning in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in English